Sometimes leadership means stepping in to help others move forward. For Mazie Countryman, Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, February was about strengthening youth leadership while staying connected to culture and community. During the month, Mazie attended a round dance in her community, a gathering that brought people together through song, dance, and […]
For Ethan Hedgepeth, February was focused on strengthening connections between Native youth councils and Native student organizations. As the Southeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Ethan continues to support youth leadership both in his region and on his college campus. On February 21, Ethan attended the North Carolina Native American Youth Organization […]
Some of the strongest community connections happen in everyday spaces—whether it’s distributing food to families in need or gathering on the basketball court after a long day. For Victor Organista of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, February was about showing up for his community in ways that bring people together. At the beginning of the […]
In the Fort Berthold community of White Shield, North Dakota, February was a month focused on culture, creativity, and personal growth. Weston Bird, Great Plains Representative for the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, helped support events that strengthened connections within the community while encouraging youth […]
For Watson Whitford, February was a month centered on community, ceremony, and connecting with Indigenous youth across borders. As Male Co-President of the National UNITY Council Executive Committee and a student leader at Montana State University, Watson continued to support gatherings that strengthen relationships among Indigenous communities. Early in the month, the Montana State University […]
For Liliana Mars, February was a reminder that leadership and personal wellness often go hand in hand. As the Northeast Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee, Liliana spent the month reconnecting with culture, strengthening relationships, and supporting youth councils across the region. At the start of the month, Liliana traveled to Hollywood, Florida, […]
Leadership often starts closest to home. For Jamie Crowe of the Pueblo of Tesuque, February was focused on reconnecting with the youth in their own community while balancing a demanding semester of school and professional responsibilities. During Valentine’s Day week, Jamie met with the Tesuque Pueblo Youth Coalition, the youth council serving their Pueblo community. […]
February was a busy and impactful month for Alina Sanchez of the Miwok Wilton Rancheria, who serves as the Pacific Region Representative on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee. Through community engagement, student leadership, and prevention education, Alina continued to demonstrate how youth leaders can create positive change both in their communities and on campus. […]
February was a month of collaboration, education, and hands-on environmental work for Tia Butler of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, who serves as a Northwest Executive Committee Member of the National UNITY Council. Throughout the month, Tia continued her work in community education and environmental stewardship by attending several conferences, workshops, and trainings focused […]
February was a meaningful month of cultural pride, leadership, and community connection for Amaya Escalante of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, who serves on the National UNITY Council Executive Committee representing the Western Region. Throughout the month, Amaya attended several important events that celebrated Indigenous language, culture, and leadership within her community and across Southern Arizona. […]
